Summary: The Friendship Lie
Cora, her twin brother Kyle, and Sybella have been best friends since the second grade. They even have their own made-up place named Aquafabia. But after a “thing” happens, Sybella and Cora stop talking to each other.
When the story begins, both girls are already no longer on speaking terms. Readers travel back in time, alternating between past and present and Sybella and Cora to figure out what went wrong.
Also in center stage is Cora’s parents recent separation and their work with the environment. Her dad is a garbologist — he studies garbage, recycling, and how it affects the environment. Her mother who’s recently moved to Belgium creates software in the same industry.
The Good
This book is unique. Cora is a strong, observant protagonist with well-formed opinions about the world around her. She’s also quite introspective and has a great understanding of her emotions. While Sybella isn’t in focus as much as Cora is, it’s easy to see why both girls work as friends.
Friendship is a defining theme in this book — Cora, Kyle, and Sybella have a mature friendship. They understand what it means to support each other while pursuing different interests. It always warms my heart to see healthy female friendships depicted, especially in middle grade.
I also appreciated that there was a real issue — the build up to the reveal was not overdone. The author doesn’t keep readers hanging till the book ends. There’s also a friendship story from the past, intertwined through diary entries. It definitely adds to the mystery and meat of the story.
Then, of course, The Friendship Lie has a strong focus on waste reduction, sustainability, and the environment. I’m yet to read another middle-grade book with a similar theme.
The Bad
I would’ve loved to hear more from Sybella. It definitely felt more like Cora’s story than both their stories. Having a full-on double POV story like Laura Shovan’s Takedown may have made for a more well-rounded story.
Overall: The Friendship Lie
The Friendship Lie is a heartrending story about what happens when a friendship goes sour. This middle-grade novel spotlights healthy friendships and coping with parental separation. It also brings attention to the environmental impact of excessive waste.
If you enjoy books with portrayals of female friendship and a touch of mystery, you’ll like The Friendship Lie.
I received an electronic ARC of The Friendship Lie from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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More Books Like The Friendship Lie
- Out of Place by Jennifer Blecher
- Shouting at the Rain by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
- Finding Perfect by Elly Swartz
Have you read this book or anything by Rebecca Donnelly? What did you think? What are your favorite books about friendships? I’d love to know!
The friendship is soooo very important at this age!